Khabib Nurmagomedov Explains Why he Wants to Meet Dominick Cruz

Thousands of people were likely inspired by what Dominick Cruz accomplished at UFC Fight Night 81, and Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of them, perhaps even more so than most.

Cruz reclaimed the bantamweight title last Sunday by earning a split decision win over TJ Dillashaw, after undergoing three, yes three, ACL surgeries. Although injuries haven’t cost Nurmagomedov a UFC title, he has been sidelined since April, 2014, when he defeated now reigning champ Rafael dos Anjos.

So, after relaying on a recent episode of “The MMA Hour” that Cruz would understand what he’s been through, Nurmagomedov said this (quote via MMA Fighting.com):

“I’ve never spoken with him (Cruz), I’ve never meet this guy, but you know, this guy is one of the greatest of all-time and I want to meet him. I speak with Daniel Cormier about him. Daniel Cormier say he’s very good guy, very humble, and he understands MMA very good. I think that’s why his mental (strength), in my opinion, is very tough. Nobody can beat him about mental (strength), and I think that’s why he comes back very strong.”

“The Eagle” hasn’t been booked for his next bout but Nurmagomedov is expected to return in the first quarter of 2016.